Trailblazing His Way to Mastery
No matter how brilliant one’s horse, the journey to attain artistic mastery inevitably takes the rider on a rocky, demanding and twisting trail.
For first-class artisan Jeremiah Watt, that arduous yet rewarding road to perfect his saddlemaking art began about 50 years ago in Dryden, Ontario, Canada, where he was raised.
A combination of youthful, risk-taking grit, along with something that only can be called the mysterious passion of the heart, spurred his native talent onward, so that at last the right doors opened and hard-earned skills were gained.
Today, Jeremiah Watt Products (JWP), the innovative, multi-faceted home-based business owned and operated by Jeremiah and Colleen Watt, is based on a ranch located about 18 miles west of Coalinga, California. The enterprise, which began around 1986, has taken root and flourished, in large part as a result of the creative spirit and dedication the Watts bring to their work and life.
“… We build all the hardware for those saddles and most all the tools used to make them. All things considered, that makes us very unique.”
— Jeremiah Watt
The company workspace consists of two small shops, situated only 200 yards behind the Watt’s residence — one for crafting spurs, bits and leather tools, and the other for saddlemaking. Currently, the business has two employees.
